Quibi's epic fall and the future of books
Digest
This podcast episode delves into the story of Quibi, a short-form mobile streaming service that launched in 2020. The hosts discuss its ambitious goals, technological innovations, and ultimate failure, exploring the role of the pandemic in its demise. The episode then transitions into a debate about the merits of e-books versus printed books, examining the pros and cons of each format, including accessibility, cost, and the reading experience. The discussion highlights the value of physical books, emphasizing the importance of supporting authors, publishers, and independent bookstores. The episode concludes with a listener's request for a modern MP3 player without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, leading to a discussion about offline music options, including the Sony Walkman and the Mighty player.
Outlines
The Rise and Fall of Quibi
This chapter explores the story of Quibi, a short-form mobile streaming service that launched in 2020. The hosts discuss its ambitious goals, technological innovations, and ultimate failure, exploring the role of the pandemic in its demise.
E-books vs. Print Books: A Debate
This chapter features a debate between Alex Kranz and Kevin Nuen about the merits of e-books versus printed books. They discuss the pros and cons of each format, including accessibility, cost, and the reading experience. They also touch on the role of publishers and the impact of Amazon's dominance in the e-book market.
The Value of Physical Books
Kevin Wright argues for the value of physical books over e-books, emphasizing the importance of supporting authors, publishers, and independent bookstores. He criticizes the efficiency-focused mindset that prioritizes e-books and compares it to bad tipping, highlighting the lack of appreciation for the work involved in creating books.
The Search for a Modern MP3 Player
A listener from the military asks for a modern MP3 player without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Andrew Moreno, the producer, discovers a Sony Walkman that fits the bill, a dedicated offline music device with 8GB of storage and a headphone jack.
Offline Music Options
The discussion expands to include other offline music options, such as the Mighty player, which syncs with Spotify but doesn't use the internet while playing. The Sony Walkman remains the best option for those seeking a completely offline experience.
Keywords
Quibi
Quibi was a short-form mobile streaming service that launched in April 2020. It was founded by Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman and aimed to provide high-quality, short-form content for mobile devices. Quibi's key feature was its \"turnstyle\" technology, which allowed viewers to rotate their phones to see different perspectives of the same scene. However, Quibi faced challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, high production costs, and a lack of compelling content. It shut down in October 2020.
E-book
A digital version of a book that can be read on electronic devices like e-readers, tablets, or smartphones. E-books offer convenience and portability but are often criticized for their lack of tactile experience and potential impact on the publishing industry.
Print Book
A traditional book printed on paper and bound together. Physical books offer a tactile experience, a sense of ownership, and support for authors, publishers, and independent bookstores.
Sony Walkman
A brand of portable audio players manufactured by Sony. The Walkman was originally known for its cassette tape playback but has evolved to include digital music players, some of which offer offline functionality without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Mighty Player
A portable music player designed for Spotify, allowing users to sync their playlists and listen offline without using the internet while playing. It offers a convenient way to enjoy music without relying on a smartphone or internet connection.
Independent Bookstore
A bookstore that is not part of a chain and is typically owned and operated by an individual or a small group. Independent bookstores play a vital role in supporting local communities and fostering a love of reading.
Q&A
What was the biggest technological innovation of Quibi?
Quibi's biggest technological innovation was its \"turnstyle\" technology, which allowed viewers to rotate their phones to see different perspectives of the same scene. This was intended to create a more immersive and engaging viewing experience for mobile users.
What was the main criticism of Quibi's content?
The main criticism of Quibi's content was that it lacked a standout hit show. While it featured some big-name actors and directors, the overall quality of the programming was not considered to be particularly compelling.
What is the main advantage of e-books over printed books?
The main advantage of e-books over printed books is their flexibility. E-books can be easily adjusted for font size, brightness, and other settings, making them more accessible for people with disabilities. They are also more portable and can be downloaded instantly, eliminating the need to visit a bookstore or wait for delivery.
What is the main advantage of printed books over e-books?
The main advantage of printed books over e-books is the reading experience. Many readers find that the physical act of turning pages, holding a book, and writing in the margins enhances their engagement with the text. They also appreciate the tactile and aesthetic qualities of a physical book.
What are some modern alternatives to traditional MP3 players that don't rely on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
The Sony Walkman NWE394 is a dedicated offline music player with 8GB of storage and a headphone jack. The Mighty player is another option that syncs with Spotify but doesn't use the internet while playing.
Why is it surprising that Sony is making a low-end dedicated MP3 player?
It's surprising because those who might want a dedicated MP3 player often also want high-fidelity audio, which is typically associated with higher-end devices. Sony's decision to make a low-end option suggests they may be targeting a different market, such as children or those who prioritize affordability over audio quality.
Show Notes
Today on the flagship podcast of what the future of Kindle turns out to be:
We’re once again trying out a couple of our favorite new show formats.
In Version History, we talk through the whole story of Quibi, from its early days as NewTV to its extremely ill-timed launch to its ultimate demise.
- From Variety: Quibi Has Raised $1.75B After Closing $750M Round to Fund Launch
- From Variety: Jeffrey Katzenberg’s NewTV Closes $1B, Major Studios Among Investors
- Quibi’s CES 2020 launch
- Quibi app review: short-form streaming in a shifting landscape
- Steven Spielberg is writing a horror series you’ll only be able to at night
- Quibi’s Super Bowl 2020 commercial
- From The Wall Street Journal: Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman Struggle With Their Startup—and Each Other
- How Quibi imploded less than six months after launch
- 11 reasons why Quibi crashed and burned in less than a year
Next, we try out our as-yet-untitled debate show. The Verge’s Kevin Nguyen and Alex Cranz take on a surprisingly contentious topic: is the future of books print or digital?
- The Boox Palma is an amazing gadget I didn’t even know I wanted
- Kobo’s great color e-readers are held back by lock-in
- From The Wall Street Journal: How the Kindle Became a Must-Have Accessory (Again)
- The Playdate makes a surprisingly good e-reader
Later, producer Andru Marino answers a question from The Vergecast Hotline about a very unusual shopping situation for MP3 players.
NW-E394 Walkman Digital Music Player- Mighty’s ‘iPod shuffle for Spotify’ gets upgraded battery and Bluetooth
Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you.
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